As these families start to earn more through wage increases, higher-paying jobs, or promotions, they lose benefits faster than the value of growing earnings. Doorways was named "one of the best" nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy—again! Learn More The Cliff Effect Earning More But Getting Poorer Have you heard of the "cliff effect"? "The Cliff Effect refers to the drop off in eligibility for subsidies for health care, food, child care, transportation or housing that working low-income families experience with even a minor rise in earnings," according to the Arlington Community Foundation. "The loss of the subsidies mean the worker has to refuse the raise or better-paying job/not accept the promotion or see their family worse off." Read More Watch Video "Some people who watch the video are skeptical. They are not familiar with the cliff effect and do not know people who have this dilemma. They do not believe that even families making $63,000 can have such dire needs and still need public assistance. But that is the difficult context of Arlington." —Anne Vor der Bruegge Many Families in Arlington, Virginia, Struggle to Afford Basic Needs "Because of the benefits cliff, as these families start to earn more through wage increases, higher-paying jobs, or promotions, they lose benefits faster than the value of growing earnings," said Anne Vor der Bruegge, Director of Grants and Initiatives at the Arlington Community Foundation. Read the Complete Interview Thanks to Your Support, Doorways Helps Families Navigate the Cliff Effect in Arlington Many of Doorways' clients are forced to navigate this cliff on their journeys out of homelessness, instability, and abuse. The continuum of services that Doorways provides — beginning in shelter and continuing beyond families' exit from shelter to supportive housing — is critical. Services include financial counseling, which can help families navigate the cliff effect and other challenges as they work toward achieving stability. Learn More Donate Now Drive-Thru Deeds Swing by our office on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to drop off these items, or purchase them from our Amazon wish list to ship them directly to our offices: Kids' Shampoo Kitchen Sponges Deodorant We appreciate your support! Do you need support? Do you know someone else who might? Call Doorways to speak with an advocate any time. 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: 703-237-0881 ‌ ‌ ‌ Donate Now Doorways | P.O. Box 100185, Arlington, VA 22210 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!